Match Report: 05/04/08
Shildon 2, Billingham Synthonia 0
Arngrove Northern League Division 1
Billingham travelled to in-form Shildon with The Railwaymen buoyant after securing a Northern League Cup Final place in midweek. Michael Jameson stood in at left-back with injuries to both Steven Baynes and Jason Honeyman. The hosts were forced to play defender Liam Clough in goal with injury problems of their own.
Synners started the game well, creating a couple of half chances. A Simon Shaw corner in the 2nd minute saw Colin Iley challenge the keeper but the referee had blown for an infringement as the ball dropped into the net. Then after 12 minutes James Magowan laid the ball back for Shaw to send in a great cross aimed at Neil Campbell. Shildon keeper Clough did well to punch clear under pressure.
Billingham continued to press in search for an opener, and after 21 minutes the ball came to Iley in space on the right. His shot going just a yard wide of the post.
The Railwaymen gradually began to make progress and after 24 minutes Paul Atkinson's mis-kick was pounced on by Adam Emson, but his shot was well wide of the target.
2 minutes later and Synthonia were back on the attack. Shaw again creating an opportunity when his low drive across goal was touched over the bar by Campbell.
After 31 minutes a Shildon cross from the right came to Emson but again the striker failed to trouble John Jackson in the Billingham goal, as he mis-cued to put the ball harmlessly wide.
The game began to flow from end to end and in the 33rd minute Shaw's cross was headed goalward by Iley, The effort however, was straight at Clough who comfortably caught. Then 2 minutes later the home side were attacking. Tyson Masters' pass was heading to Wayne Gredziak in space in front of goal, before Atkinson made a timely interception.
Shaw tried his luck from a 35-yard free-kick in the 37th minute, but again Clough was up to the challenge as he tipped the ball over the bar. Shildon should have taken the lead a minute later when Gredziak sent both Emson and Masters clear in on goal with a two-on-one against Jackson. Emson collected the ball but he seemed undecided, giving Jackson the chance to pounce on the ball.
After 41 minutes Shildon had another golden opportunity. Gredziak threaded the ball through the defence and ran on himself to go in on goal with only Jackson to beat. The Synners stopper stood tall to delay the striker, and then did well to save at his feet.
Half-time: Shildon 0, Synners 0
Shildon came out for the second period and almost immediately gained the upper hand. Emson received the ball to the left of goal, but hit his shot into the side netting.
The home side had another excellent opportunity to open the scoiring in the 51st minute, when Emson shot from close range. Jackson made a point blank save to keep his goal in tact. Two minutes later and again it was Emson as he went through on goal. Jackson was again a match as he blocked the shot.
After 56 minutes Dion Raitt picked out Gredziak, but he sent his header wide. Then Masters tried to test Jackson, but his shot lacked any power and the Synthonia keeper easily saved.
Shildon continued to create chances and after 61 minutes Emson crossed from the left and saw Gredziak head the ball onto the post as The Railwaymen got closer to taking a lead.
The hosts eventually found the opener in the 67th minute. A free-kick from the left by left-back Chris Mason saw ADAM EMSON prod home from close range.
Shildon deservedly extended their lead after 77 minutes when a ball forward eluded the Synners defence, and DION RAITT ran in on goal to produce a cool finish and slot the ball home.
The Railwaymen could have taken a further lead in injury time when Emson made a good run and found Raitt, but this time the midfielder shot over.
Synners can have no argument after a second half that saw Shildon dominate in all areas of the park. Keeper John Jackson was in fine form to keep the score down, with his opposite number Clough, acting as stand-in keeper competent enough between the sticks. Synthonia next entertain relegation threatened Northallerton Town at the PTS Stadium on Saturday, and whilst the visitors maybe at the wrong end of the table, they will be no pushover with their division one status under threat.
Teams:
SHILDON: Clough, Cowan, Mason, Clarke (c), Hutton, Moore, Mendum (Bullyment), Raitt, Masters (Radu), Gredziak, Emson. Subs not used; Ord.
BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA: Jackson, Shaw, Jameson, Atkinson, Hanson (c), Cater, Perry, Campbell, Magowan, Iley, Abel (Flanagan). Subs not used; Leahy, Chapman, Aithwaite, Toth.
Referee: Mr S Stockbridge. Assistants: G Fyvie & G Liddle
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